Starting Salary
​25k

Job Growth:
​High Need

Salary
25k - 70k

Check

Out

Early

​Childhood
Course Description
Early Childhood Education provides students the opportunity to learn about child development and child psychology. Students learn about the characteristics and behavioral needs of infants, toddlers and preschoolers.

The Early Childhood students operate the CTE Pre-School three days a week. While operating the nursery school program, students learn how to care for children, ages 3-5 years old.
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The students will develop learning activities that they will implement during their time as lead teacher. In the second year of the program, students gain hands-on experience through internships at local pre-schools, childcare settings, and elementary schools. This will provide an excellent opportunity for networking!
Course Content
  • Creative learning activities
  • Guiding children effectively
  • Types of early childhood programs
  • Working with special needs children
  • Understanding health policies
  • Curriculum development
  • Creating a healthy environment
  • First aid and safety
  • Music and movement
  • Food and nutrition
  • Involving parents and families
  • Child development, birth to school age
Career Opportunities Can Include:
  • Preschool Teacher

  • Preschool Teacher Aide

  • Nanny
 
  • Day Care Provider
 
  • Kindergarten Teacher
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  • Elementary Teacher

College Agreements with:

Carol Sutherland

Early Childhood Teacher

I love teaching Early Childhood in CTE and discovering how students learn in different ways! Our classroom is an actual preschool and students have the opportunity to fulfill many different teaching roles each week. During my 29 years of teaching in CTE it’s been a thrill to watch former high students and preschool children return to participate in the program. Much of my teaching in the classroom is through role modeling,group  discussion, field trips and during your senior year, student internships off campus. There is a strong academic component to the class as we learn all about child development. My entire career has included teaching - preschool, elementary, middle school and high school! Outside of school I love to travel! The Finger Lakes are special to me and my family and we take advantage of all the area has to offer - boating, swimming, skiing, and hiking.

Testimonials

Jeanne Malone
​Program Director Ithaca Community Childcare Center

IC3 values the TST BOCES Early Childhood Program!  The students learn about child development, creating curriculum and classroom guidance techniques that they then apply in our classrooms.  Students gain hands-on experience engaging and interacting with children.  This program can be the beginning of a career for students!  It offers them the opportunity to work in the field of early childhood education and we are excited to be a part of it.

Aubrey Noce
2017 Alumni

“Going to the Career and Tech Center helped me get a lot of experience with working with children by having many internships at various locations. I was able to develop a full resume that many people do not have when they graduated from High School. I learned about how to be a good teacher and had so much fun while doing it. Mrs. Sutherland and Ms. Sharp are amazing teachers who I am so grateful to have learned from.”

Fatima Smith 
​Current Ithaca Student

I chose to attend the Early Childhood program because children have always been a big part of my life. I have always had an interest in learning more about children and their development. I like how we work with children and learn about what they like and where they are coming from. The skills I'm learning currently will help me in my future because I can help children better themselves and help them learn more about themselves. 

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